I would also like to know how useable the 2nd/3rd Drive on the inputs is.

ringoman, keep us posted! Congrats on the desk!

Me too. I got to hear the console, but not do any tracking. As I understood it, if you drive the preamp, there is no way to trim the level back except with the direct out knob. That means you're hammering the input to the EQ or Dyn if you choose to use it. Is the answer to use two channels?

I miss a mode where the large faders are analog only, instead of DCAs. I realize it's necessary in order to use it as a controller on the fly, but it'd sure be great to have a mode where an all analog path is avialable from input to output.

I also didn't get to see the modules. Pulling a module isn't as easy as on other SSLs. What chips are they using to draw such low current? (I was told that the Duality has slightly less headroom than a J/K.)

I too look foward to hearing more reviews.

Last edited by OKden; 30th January 2007 at 03:59 AM..
Reason: captain typo

As I understood it, if you drive the preamp, there is no way to trim the level back except with the direct out knob. That means you're hammering the input to the EQ or Dyn if you choose to use it. Is the answer to use two channels?

This is not true. Each channel has a trim control (+/- 20db) just after the dual mic amp.

I'm freelance and have tracked 4 records on one already. I love it. The DCA's are cool. No more dirty faders, no more dirty master volume pot. And you can certainly get an all analog signal path straight through. Not sure I follow what you're saying here.

The VHD is cool as hell IMO. I've written about it elsewhere. It's subtle at first but can be driven hard and gives you a lot of color options while sitting right at the desk.

This is not true. Each channel has a trim control (+/- 20db) just after the dual mic amp.
I'm freelance and have tracked 4 records on one already. I love it. The DCA's are cool. No more dirty faders, no more dirty master volume pot. And you can certainly get an all analog signal path straight through. Not sure I follow what you're saying here.

The VHD is cool as hell IMO. I've written about it elsewhere. It's subtle at first but can be driven hard and gives you a lot of color options while sitting right at the desk.
drew

Ringoman,
What model did you get ? (48,72,96?) ?
I will go my self to the factory (mid feb) and will let everybody what I think.
I am really wondering how hard you can puch them ....?!?
And if the sound is going to 2 or 3 dimensional (if you know what I mean)
Mix,Resolution,Sound on Sound etc... neither of them did a test on it ? Or did I miss them ?

This is not true. Each channel has a trim control (+/- 20db) just after the dual mic amp.

I'm freelance and have tracked 4 records on one already. I love it. The DCA's are cool. No more dirty faders, no more dirty master volume pot. And you can certainly get an all analog signal path straight through. Not sure I follow what you're saying here.

The VHD is cool as hell IMO. I've written about it elsewhere. It's subtle at first but can be driven hard and gives you a lot of color options while sitting right at the desk.

I'll be happy to answer any specific questions anyone has.
drew

All analog path is not true, there will always be the DCA in it. But they are pretty good, so I don't mind.

You can have an all analog path to record though with the Direct Out and that's good enough for me.

I also prefer the DCA to the 'old' motor faders that had audio going through.

No headaches with the alignment anymore (Ultimation G+/J/K) which was a nightmare and the VCA/audiopath would never perfectly align to start with.

If the Duality has a decent sound you certainly have a lot less headaches than with the earlier desks. And I mean A LOT.
No more dirty switches & faders.

The channels are easy to get out BTW.

Let's hope the Duality has enough headroom. That's my main concern. Especially with the 72 and 96 channel versions. Would like to know how it handles a full mix with 72/96 channels.

The problem with reviews from Duality owners is they hardly will tell you that their $200.000 purchase sucks.heh

...makes sense. Personally I would have no problem to come out and say that the duality didn't meet my expectations. I already criticized the fact that I'd like more sends and the ability to switch on/off dynamics from the master section - is that really a deal breaker though? No by a long shot.

Duality exceeded my expectations and I had lots. A few bugs/features have still to be ironed out but if I felt as strong for other purchases as this one I would be a very happy camper.

IMO compared to other consoles (new or old) the advantages of this board easily outweigh its disadvantages.

Ringoman,
What model did you get ? (48,72,96?) ?
I will go my self to the factory (mid feb) and will let everybody what I think.
I am really wondering how hard you can puch them ....?!?
And if the sound is going to 2 or 3 dimensional (if you know what I mean)
Mix,Resolution,Sound on Sound etc... neither of them did a test on it ? Or did I miss them ?

although im not a Duality owner, i can tell you that after a 2 hour demo today that it is a very special console! it has all the things i love about G/E SSL's and all the things that are annoying or limiting have been radically improved. the best part being that every component has (speaking in general) 2 different sounds (EQ, DYN, Pres etc) so your not limited in that aspect.

it has a number of quite amazing ideas and looks to be a unique but familiar console

All analog path is not true, there will always be the DCA in it. But they are pretty good, so I don't mind.

.

This still doesn't make any sense. If they are using a DCA (Digitally Controlled Amplifier) then the audio path is still all analog. The only thing that could make the path not entirely analog is a set of AD and DAs, which I highly doubt they are using.

I'm not sure of the topology they use for their DCA, but could be something like a network of FETs forming a very fine stepped attenuator. The "on-off" state of the individual FETS can be controlled digitally, but the audio passing through them is still analog. I'm sure it is much more complicated, or it could be a different topology all-together. Point is, just because something is Digitally controlled does not mean that the audio must be converted to digital and back.

from Mix Online: Duality pricing begins at less than $200,000 for a 48-frame version, making it a viable alternative to an older E , G or J Series console. Other than the number of channels (48, 72 or 96), options are few, but include 12-degree wings for the extra channels and a choice of patchbays. Duality is now shipping. The first board went to a Japanese studio last month and other pre-launch orders are in production.